re: #228 MandyManners

It bans punishment for crimes without a trial.

It would seem you’re right on that. Interestingly, that clause also prohibits the Legislative branch from passing ex post facto laws. Might that apply here?

After all, there was nothing illegal about the bonuses. They were included in contracts before the bailout. The Fed knew about them. Geithner as head of the NY Fed, and architect of the bailout knew, or should have known, they were in there.

Now, after the fact, Congress wants to pass legislation taxing these people.

Sounds ex post facto to me, but I’m not a lawyer.